Coastguards were scrambled amid fears a woman was stuck on a 'treacherous' path in darkness and with temperatures plummeting.

Two Coastguard teams were alerted at 7.50pm last night after concerns were raised for a woman who was very late returning from a walk.

She was found safe a short time later, but the call was a concern for Coastguards who warned that people should not be taking 'unnecessary risks' during the lockdown that could put additional pressure on the emergency services.

A spokesman for Lyme Regis Coastguard said: "We were tasked alongside our colleagues from Beer Coastguard to search the undercliff coast path between Rousdon and Lyme Regis for a lone female walker who was long overdue. As the teams were proceeding, news was received that the lady in question had been located on the coast road, returning to Rousdon."

The spokesman added: "The undercliff path between Seaton and Lyme Regis is inaccessible and the terrain is exceedingly difficult underfoot. In the dark and cold, this path can be treacherous particularly if you are ill prepared. Fortunately, this walker was found safe and well quickly after the alarm had been raised.

"We are urging anyone ‘exercising’ around our coast to #StaySafe and not take any unnecessary risks that may put extra pressure on #999 emergency services."